Citywealth Leaders List, 60 second interview – Stefan Chinniah, Mourant
This week’s 60 seconds Citywealth Leaders List interview is dedicated to Stefan Chinniah, Partner, Jersey Investment Funds, Mourant.
Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.
I’m a Funds Partner in Mourant’s Jersey team, specialising in the establishment of investment funds and advising them throughout their lifecycle – from initial structuring through to downstream transactions and ongoing governance matters. My practice has a strong real estate focus, alongside a significant private equity component. I act for a broad range of managers, from first-time and mid-market sponsors to large institutional houses, predominantly UK-based with a growing number of U.S. clients.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I usually start the day with one or two BD touchpoints – checking in with clients or arranging meetings. In the competitive offshore market, it’s important to maintain consistent and proactive engagement. I then map out the day, carve out time for drafting and reviewing documents, and catch up with associates on live matters. A sizeable portion of the day involves problem-solving as issues arise across multiple transactions. As an offshore lawyer, you’re juggling multiple matters at once rather than focusing on a single project, which keeps things varied and interesting (and sometimes hectic!). Finally, I finish up with the worst part of any lawyer’s day – completing my time sheets.
Tell us about some recent, interesting client instructions/requests you have received.
We are seeing a lot of interest in Jersey’s newest corporate vehicle, the limited liability company (LLC), It’s modelled on Delaware and Cayman LLCs, so is proving an attractive option to those on the other side of the pond.
There’s also significant activity around continuation vehicles, with funds reaching the end of their life looking to restructure into new vehicles. Jersey’s light-touch regulatory framework works particularly well in that context. On the real estate side, market sentiment finally seems to be shifting and we are seeing significant activity from our institutional client base in this sector.
What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping them to overcome them?
Regulatory complexity remains a significant pressure point. Fundraising conditions are also challenging with managers seeking to manage upfront costs carefully while testing investor appetite. My role is to guide clients through these choppy waters as efficiently as possible.
What is your proudest professional achievement?
Well, I’ve recently been made Partner, which is without doubt the biggest milestone of my career so far.
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
Clarity is essential, especially when it comes to the junior team, so they understand what success looks like on every matter.
However, commerciality and consistency are equally important. Commerciality for seeing the wood for the trees, and consistency because people work best when expectations are clear and steady.
Above all, investing in people is key, you really get a far better buy-in when your team understands and believes that you are genuinely invested in their development.
Who do you most admire and why?
Advocate Richard Falle. He’s a leading figure in the Jersey legal market, a former judge and is still active as a consultant. I first met him in my teens – he is my best friend’s dad – and he remains one of the most intellectually impressive people I know, with an incredible memory and presence. He was one of my inspirations when I chose to go into law.
Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure?
I travelled to Disneyland Paris a few weeks ago with my three-year-old son. It was a trip of very high highs, and very low lows, as it tends to be when travelling with a toddler.
If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?
My brother and I have always said if we give up law, we will open a Sri Lankan restaurant, so if I didn’t go into law I definitely would be cooking.
How do you relax after a long day?
I try to get home to spend time with my son, it’s not always relaxing but it’s so important. Flexible working means I can carve out that time to be with my family and be present and log back on later.
Otherwise, I unwind by watching the latest spin-off from the Game of Thrones series.
If you could recommend one person in the private wealth industry who would it be, and what would you say about them?
Ed Devenport in our International Trust and Private Client team, he is the absolute guru of Jersey trust law.
Mourant’s Citywealth Leaders List profile
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